On the banks of the Ganges River, Haridwar is considered the holiest city in the state of Uttarakhand. It's best known for its nightly aarti (prayer) ceremony on the banks of the river when pilgrims float tiny lamps out into the water, creating an enchanting sight. Other things to do in Haridwar include visiting Mansa Devi Temple, one of the most famous attractions in the city, or taking a day trip up to Rishikesh, the self-proclaimed yoga capital of the world.
The best time to visit Haridwar is between September and early April when the weather is at its most pleasant. May and June can get very hot, while July and August can be rainy. Just be aware that there are religious events that can draw in huge crowds, including the Kumbh Mela and the annual Kanwar Mela, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of your visit if you want to avoid crowds.
Haridwar is not too spread out, so it's easy to get around without a car. You can flag auto-rickshaws down on the street, and they are a good option for getting from the train station to your hotel. Many of the city's key attractions are located within walking distance of Har ki Pauri. If you want to visit Rishikesh, you can easily catch a Vikram (shared auto-rickshaw) on the Haridwar-Dehradun Road that runs through town.
Haridwar is an entirely vegetarian city, with no meat or eggs served in local restaurants. If you're looking for a good place to try out local vegetarian fare, head to one of two branches of Hoshiyarpuri, a popular spot that’s been serving up north Indian fare since 1937. There's one located a short walk from Har ki Pauri and a second branch further south that caters more to residents.
